Rock Band of the Year – 2012 Loudwire Music Awards

Which rock band stood out among the rest in 2012? These 10 acts all had huge years in 2012, creating notable accomplishments with their records, singles, tours and the growth of their respective fan bases.

The list of nominees in the Loudwire Music Awards category of Rock Band of they Year is filled with newcomers, fresh faces, veterans and even modern-day legends to choose from, so check out these 10 bands and be sure to vote in the poll below:

Baroness

Georgia sludge band Baroness traveled into a new and experimental realm this year with their double album, 'Yellow & Green.' Before releasing the album, which turned out to be an absolute masterpiece, the band toured with Meshuggah and Decapitated. Despite a horrific bus accident in England, Baroness refuse to be stopped.

Chevelle

Chicago rockers Chevelle had a spotlit year in 2012. Riding off the release of their sixth studio album, 'Hats Off to the Bull,' and the single 'Face to the Floor' spending 13 weeks at No. 1 on the rock radio charts, Chevelle hit the road on the Carnival of Madness tour along with their own headlining dates.

Dead Sara

As one of this year's most exciting breakout acts, Dead Sara left their mark on 2012 with their self-titled full-length album, along with the raw rock hit 'Weatherman.' The band captivated audiences with support slots on various tours, and the band is set to open for Muse's 2013 U.S. tour.

Deftones

Having compiled an incredible discography in their career, Deftones needed to live up to massive expectations with their 2012 album, 'Koi No Yokan.' The band succeeded, creating yet another paramount record. The band also toured with both System of a Down and Scars on Broadway throughout 2012.

Halestorm

Halestorm had a breakout year with their second full-length album, 'The Strange Case Of…" The group hit the road with the Mass Chaos and Carnival of Madness tours, along with their own headlining dates.

Lacuna Coil

'Dark Adrenaline,' Lacuna Coil's sixth studio album hit this year with acclaim from both critics and fans. In addition to their studio accomplishment, the band headlined their Dark Legacy tour and appeared on the 2012 edition of Gigantour.

Shinedown

Shinedown dominated the world of rock radio in 2012, with 'Bully' reaching No. 1 on the modern rock radio charts and sticking around for a very long time, and the tracks 'Unity' and 'Enemies' have also been mainstays on the rock airwaves. Shinedown also headlined this year's Uproar Festival tour.

Soundgarden

Perhaps the most discussed comeback of the year, Soundgarden gifted fans with their first studio album since 1996 with 'King Animal.' The band is set to tour North America in 2013, and we can expect some follow-up hits to current single 'Been Away Too Long.'

Stone Sour

'House of Gold & Bones Part 1' gave Stone Sour fanatics their newest fix, and the disc has been embraced with phenomenal passion. Singer Corey Taylor shows his range in the album, proving once again that he is one of the most versatile frontmen in rock or metal music.

Volbeat

Volbeat dominated the charts with 'A Warrior's Call' and 'Still Counting' over the course of 2012. They also spent the year touring on the Gigantour and on their own headlining trek with Hellyeah and Iced Earth.

Voting for the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards closes on Jan. 12 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite band wins!

Get Notified When Winners Are Announced

Enter your email address below to receive the daily Loudwire newsletter, which will include notification of our full list of winners in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards, as well as the top stories in rock and metal.